In Bend, Oregon, where skyrocketing housing costs meet a growing demand for sustainable living, Hiatus Homes is rewriting the rules of modern homeownership. These tiny, energy-positive homes aren’t just living spaces—they’re a movement, blending cutting-edge design with tight-knit community living.
By combining thoughtful architecture, environmental innovation, and a reimagined sense of neighborhood, Hiatus Homes offers more than a glimpse of the future—it’s building it. Could this be the blueprint for sustainable housing everywhere?
Design Philosophy
The architectural approach prioritizes functionality without compromising aesthetics. It features built-in furniture and modular components that adapt to residents’ needs. Each home incorporates large windows and varying ceiling heights, creating an illusion of expanded space while maintaining privacy.
Natural light floods these compact dwellings through strategically placed skylights and clerestory windows, while custom-built storage solutions eliminate clutter.
The homes showcase locally sourced materials and craftsmanship, reflecting the region’s natural beauty and architectural heritage.
Community Layout
The village’s circular design creates intimate neighborhood pods, each containing 5-6 homes sharing a micro-community space. These smaller groupings foster close relationships while maintaining a connection to the larger community through interconnected pathways.
Central gathering spaces are the heart of the development, featuring native landscaping and edible gardens that are both beautiful and functional.
The layout encourages regular interaction while respecting private spaces through thoughtful buffer zones.
Energy Innovation
Each home operates on a closed-loop energy system, utilizing solar panels and advanced battery storage to maintain energy independence. Smart home technology monitors usage patterns and automatically adjusts systems for optimal efficiency.
Innovative heating and cooling solutions, including geothermal systems and passive solar design, minimize energy consumption while maintaining comfort throughout Oregon’s varied seasons.
Environmental Impact
The development’s water management system captures rainwater for irrigation and includes greywater recycling for landscape maintenance. Native and drought-resistant plantings reduce water consumption while supporting local wildlife.
Construction methods prioritize waste reduction, with materials selected for durability and recyclability.
The community’s shared resources, from tools to vehicles, significantly reduce individual consumption and carbon footprints.
Origins & Evolution
Jesse Russell’s vision emerged from personal experience with excessive consumption in the television industry. His transition to sustainable development began with a single tiny home prototype that evolved into the current village concept.
The project’s success attracted the attention of urban planners and sustainability experts, leading to partnerships that expanded the original concept while maintaining its core values.
Regulatory Progress
Collaboration with local officials resulted in new zoning categories specifically designed for micro-communities. These regulatory changes have become a model for other municipalities seeking to diversify housing options.
The development team worked with building inspectors to create safety standards appropriate for tiny homes while maintaining rigorous quality controls.
This groundwork has simplified the path for future small-scale developments.
Investment & Growth
The Hiatus Capital Fund offers investment opportunities starting at $50,000, allowing community members to participate in sustainable development while earning returns. This innovative funding model has attracted diverse investors and created a sustainable framework for expansion.
The fund’s success has enabled rapid project development while maintaining community involvement and environmental standards.
Local investment ensures that development decisions reflect community values and needs.
Expanding Horizons
Hiatus Penn Flats represents the next evolution in community-focused development. It features 40 units in a mixed-use setting. The project integrates lessons from the original development while exploring new approaches to shared spaces and resources.
Future developments will incorporate emerging technologies and community feedback, with plans for specialized communities focusing on aging in place and multi-generational living.
Each new project builds upon the successful foundation while adapting to specific community needs.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.